Kinematic Platforms and Stages Compatible with 3-Axis Flexure Stages

Designed for Use with Our Family of Three-Axis Flexure Stages
Pitch & Roll Tilt Platforms
Pitch & Yaw Platforms

Roll

Pitch

APR001

Pitch & Roll Platform with Thumbscrew Drives

AMA027

Pitch & Roll Adjustable Height Platform

Roll

Pitch

PY003

Pitch & Yaw Accessory
Tilt Platform

Pitch

Yaw

Pitch

Yaw

APY002

Pitch & Yaw
Tilt Platform
with Micrometer Drives

Related Items

Flexure Stage Accessories

3-Axis Stages

Compact 5-Axis Stages

Fiber Launch Solutions

Goniometers

Translation Stages

Polaris® Kinematic Platform Mount

Optomechanics

Collimation

Power Meters

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Overview
Specs
Feedback

Click to Enlarge
Figure 1.1 The APR001 platform fitted on a NanoMax™ stage with the ABS002 angle bracket fitted to the side face.

Quick Links
Adjustable Height Pitch and Roll Platform
Pitch and Roll Tilt Platform
Pitch and Yaw Accessory Platform
Pitch and Yaw Tilt Platforms
Compact 5-Axis Stage
Large Angle Bracket Kit

Features

Add Two Additional Degrees of Freedom to a 3-Axis Flexure Stage System
Kinematic Platforms Offer Pitch and Yaw or Pitch and Roll Adjustments
Thumbscrew or Micrometer Drives Available
Compatible with Thorlabs' 3-Axis Flexure Stages: RollerBlock™, MicroBlock™, and NanoMax™

Thorlabs offers kinematic platforms designed as cost-efficient ways to upgrade Thorlabs' line of three-axis flexure stages or stage systems by adding two additional degrees of freedom. We offer multiple sizes and types of platforms that either provide pitch and yaw or pitch and roll adjustments. Some platforms come with thumbscrew adjustment and others come with micrometer adjustment. All stages and platforms have a deck height compatible with three-axis flexure stages. For more information, see the Specs tab.

Mounting Accessories
The APR001(/M), APY001(/M), and APY002(/M) platforms can be mounted with the included post next to a 3-axis flexure stage or directly on a 3-axis flexure stage. In addition, we offer the ABS002(/M) large angle bracket and spacer block kit below that can be mounted on the side of a 3-axis flexure stage, which provides an additional platform for mating components when one of the APR001(/M), APY001(/M), and APY002(/M) stages are mounted directly on a 3-axis flexure stage.

An extensive selection of accessories is available to mount items such as microscope objectives, collimation packages, waveguides, and fiber on these stages and can be viewed in Table 1.2.

4- and 5-Axis Stages Compatible with 3-Axis Flexure Stages
In addition to the platforms offered on this page, Thorlabs also offers 4- and 5-axis stages that are compatible with Thorlabs 3-Axis Flexure Stages. These stages have a deck height of 62.5 mm and can also add pitch and yaw adjustment to a 3-axis stage system. More information on 4-axis stages compatible with 3-axis flexure stages can be found here. Information on the 5-axis stage compatible with 3-axis flexure stages can be found below or in the full web presentation.

Table 1.2 Multi-Axis Stage Accessories

Fiber Mounts	Fiber Rotators	Waveguide Mounts	Diode Mounts	Fixed Mounts	Kinematic Mounts	Top Plates	Extension Platforms	Fiber Chucks	Slide Holders	Kinematic Platforms	Adapter Plates

Specifications for Kinematic Platforms
Item #		AMA027(/M)	PY003(/M)	APR001(/M)	APY001(/M)	APY002(/M)
Travel Range	Pitch	+4°/-8°	±4°	±4°	±4°	±4°
	Roll	+4°/-8°	N/A	±4°	N/A	N/A
	Yaw	N/A	±4°	N/A	±4°	±4°
Resolution		10 arcsec	-	10 arcsec	10 arcsec	10 arcsec
Pitch Movement		-	-	-	-	1° = 0.86 mm^a
Yaw Movement		N/A	-	N/A	-	1° = 0.91 mm^a
Tilt Platform Thickness		24 mm	-	19 mm	19 mm	19 mm
Tilt Platform Weight (No Post)		-	-	0.37 lbs (0.17 kg)	0.38 lbs (0.17 kg)	0.38 lbs (0.17 kg)
Maximum Horizontal Load Capacity^b		-	1 or 2 lbs (0.5 or 0.9 kg)^c	-	4.40 lbs (2.0 kg)^d	-
Adjustment Knob Type		Thumbscrew	Micrometer	Thumbscrew	Thumbscrew	Micrometer

As measured on the micrometer
The load capacity when the stage's base is mounted on a horizontal surface. The max load capacity is different at certain points of the platform.
Click here for the horizontal load capcity diagram of the PY003(/M) stage.
Click here for the horizontal load capcity diagram of the APY001(/M) stage.

Specifications for the Compact 5-Axis Stage
Item #		PY005-K1(/M)
Travel Range	X	0.12" (3.0 mm)
	Y	0.12" (3.0 mm)
	Z	0.12" (3.0 mm)
	Pitch	±3.5°
	Yaw	±5°
Maximum Horizontal Load Capacity^a		0.5 lbs
Taps		8-32 (M4), 6-32 (M3), and 4-40 (M2)
Adjustment Knob Type		Hex Key or Thumbscrew

The load capacity when the stage's base is mounted on a horizontal surface. The max load capacity is different at certain points of the platform.

Posted Comments:

user (posted 2022-02-02 11:27:46.43)

The arrows showing the direction each stage can rotate are somewhat ambiguous. I ordered a PY003 and when it arrived, I realized that the pitch was oriented 90° from what I had expected. I was able to adjust my setup to accommodate this, but it would have been nice if this information was clearer from the start. PY003 and APY002 are especially misleading, as these photos use the same arrows to show pitch and yaw directions, despite being photographed at very different angles.

jdelia (posted 2022-02-03 04:41:16.0)

Thank you for contacting Thorlabs, and for providing this feedback. We will look into potentially updating the arrow illustrations on the webpage.

Nejc Zajc (posted 2020-04-14 06:51:51.9)

Hello, 1.) Is there any info available, how much weight can the PY003/M carry in the horizontal position? Also I'm interested in mounting the PY003/M vertically onto a suitable bracket. How much momentum could be applied onto the platform around the perpendicular axes before losing accuracy of positioning? 2.) Just a general question. Do you have any experience with how resistable the stage is to dynamic stresses (e.g. vibrations)? I would like to mount a bearing on top of the patform, which could cause some vibrations translated onto the platform when the shaft is spinning. Thank you in advance for your answer. Best Regards, Nejc Zajc

llamb (posted 2020-04-15 08:27:31.0)

Hello Nejc, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. 1) We recommend a maximum horizontal load capacity of 1 or 2 lbs (0.5 or 0.9 kg). The max load capacity is different at certain points of the platform. See the diagram under the "Specs" tab for more details. Unfortunately we do not have a vertical mounting load spec, as we do not recommend using the PY003(/M) in this orientation. 2) We do not currently have vibration testing for this particular stage, but could possibly look into this more depending on your specific load and vibration's amplitude/frequency. I have reached out to you directly to discuss your application further.

Chris Lay (posted 2019-10-01 21:04:15.743)

Hello, I have several of these assemblies on our systems and some are 'sticking' when trying to adjust them. Can you recommend the type of grease to use and where to apply this to stop this sticking problem? Thank you

YLohia (posted 2019-10-15 09:06:58.0)

Hello Chris, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I reached out to you to request a clear video of the actuator tip and the stage while this is sticking? The pitch actuator can get stuck on the lip of the recessed plate where the tip makes contact when the yaw actuator is retracted too much.

Laurie (posted 2008-12-11 16:16:48.0)

Response from Laurie at Thorlabs to d.lara: Thank you for your feedback. Currently, we do not offer a large enough Pitch/Yaw platform to meet your needs. However, thank you for submitting your feedback. It is via conversations such as these that we become more aware of what our customers need. I will be sure to add your suggestion to our internal forum where new product ideas are posted.

d.lara (posted 2008-12-11 12:01:24.0)

I was looking for a base plate with Pitch and Yaw (P&Y) like the C1503. I need to mount a Melles Griot Laser 56ICS210, and the P&Yplates you have are too small.

srubin (posted 2008-01-13 04:12:06.0)

1. the specs tab on this product does not contain all the information needed. 2. what is the difference between the this product and the ATP003, they both have similar specs and description, is it the threads? 3. the order of the tabs is different then the rest of the page, which i found confusing. Thanks

Adjustable Height Pitch and Roll Platform

Zoom

Video G1.1 The AMA027 adjustable height pitch and roll platform mounted on to a NanoMax™ stage.

Table G1.2 Specifications
Travel Range	Pitch	-8°/+4°
Travel Range	Roll	-8°/+4°
Resolution		10 arcsec
Taps		6-32 (M3)
Adjustment Knobs		Thumbscrew

Adds Two Additional Degrees of Freedom to a 3-Axis Flexure Stage System
-8°/+4° Total Tilt per Axis
-1 mm to +4 mm Height Adjustment
Pitch & Roll Tilt Platform

The AMA027(/M) platform is intended to allow an angled optical component to be positioned in front of or on top of one of our 3-axis flexure stages. An example of how to mount the platform on top of a stage is shown in Video G1.1. This add-on stage provides pitch and roll adjustment using the two labeled thumbscrews indicated in the animation.

Both the roll and pitch adjustment provide -8°/+4° of range with an accuracy of 10 arcsec and use of all three adjusters allows for the adjustment of the overall height of the platform. The amount of height adjustment ranges from -1 mm to +4 mm around the nominal height of 62.5 mm for the entire assembly. Some specifications are offered in Table G1.2; for more information, see the Specs tab.

Although it was designed for use with our family of three-axis flexure stages (RollerBlock™, MicroBlock™, and NanoMax™), this same platform is also compatible with our 4-, 5-, and 6-axis stages by substituting the included Ø1" post with the platform for a longer one.

Pitch and Roll Tilt Platform

Zoom

Video G2.1 The APR001 platform mounted on top of a NanoMax™ stage.

Table G2.2 Specifications
Travel Range	Pitch	±4°
Travel Range	Roll	±4°
Resolution		10 arcsec
Taps		6-32 (M3)
Adjustment Knobs		Thumbscrew

Adds Two Additional Degrees of Freedom to a 3-Axis Flexure Stage System
±4° Total Tilt per Axis
Pitch & Roll Tilt Platform

This platform provides pitch and roll adjustment about the optical axis. It was designed for use with our NanoMax™, MicroBlock™, and RollerBlock™ families of 3-axis stages and provides a cost efficient upgrade to 5-axis positioning. The thumbscrew drives allow adjustment up to ±4° per axis with an accuracy of 10 arcsec. Some specifications are offered in Table G2.2; for more information, see the Specs tab.

The APR001(/M) platform comprises a pitch and roll platform together with a mounting post and base. When the BA2 base is mounted to the optical table, the platform surface is lined up with the front of the stage. Mating components can then be attached to the platform and adjusted in pitch and roll. The mounting post included produces an optical height of 75 mm (62.5 mm post plus 12.5 mm accessory height).

Alternatively, the pitch and roll platform can be removed from the post, and fixed directly to the stage, in place of the standard top plate. An example of how to do so is shown in Video G2.1. This allows components mounted on the stage to be adjusted in pitch and roll, and raises the optical axis height by 15 mm, from 75 mm to 90 mm. An angle bracket and spacer block kit is available separately, as shown at bottom of the page, which raises mating components to the same height.

Typical applications include angled pigtails and placement of components requiring only moderate resolution and manual adjustment on the angular axes. All standard nanopositioning accessories may be fitted to the platform by means of the keyway interface.

Pitch and Yaw Accessory Platform

Zoom

Click to Enlarge

View Imperial Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
LDM635	1	Compact Laser Diode Module with Shutter, 635 nm, 4.0 mW
VC3C	1	Large V-Clamp with PM4 Clamping Arm, 2.5" Long, Imperial
PY003	1	Pitch and Yaw Accessory Tilt Platform with Micrometers
RS2P8E	1	Ø1" Pedestal Pillar Post, 8-32 Taps, L = 2"

View Metric Product List

Item #	Qty	Description
LDM635	1	Compact Laser Diode Module with Shutter, 635 nm, 4.0 mW
VC3C/M	1	Large V-Clamp with PM4/M Clamping Arm, 63.5 mm Long, Metric
PY003/M	1	Pitch and Yaw Accessory Tilt Platform with Micrometers, Metric
RS2P4M	1	Ø25.0 mm Pedestal Pillar Post, M4 Taps, L = 50 mm

Figure G3.2 PY003 Platform with a Compact Laser Diode Module Mounted in V-Clamp

Table G3.1 Specifications
Travel Range	Pitch	±4°
Travel Range	Yaw	±4°
Taps		8-32 (M4) and 1/4"-20 (M6)
Adjustment Knobs		Micrometer

Adds Two Additional Degrees of Freedom to a 3-Axis Flexure Stage System
±4° Total Tilt per Axis
Precision Micrometer Head Actuators
Pitch & Yaw Tilt Platform

The PY003(/M) tilt platform provides ±4° of micrometer adjustment in both pitch and yaw. It is designed to offer a compact pitch- and yaw-adjustable mounting platform with both 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) threaded mounting holes. Some specifications are offered in Table G3.1; for more information, see the Specs tab.

When used with a post assembly, this pitch and yaw platform can be mounted to an optical table such that the top surface is at the proper beam height for your application. When used with the Thorlabs NanoMax™, MicroBlock™, or RollerBlock™ three-axis stages, the post and base from the AMA029A post assembly provides a deck height of 62.5 mm. Other post assembly heights are also available.

Note: If your application requires a grooved top plate, which can be used with our extensive range of nanopositioning accessories (fiber holders, fiber chucks, fiber rotators, microscope objective holders etc.), please see the APY001 and APY002 detailed below.

Pitch and Yaw Tilt Platforms

Zoom

Video G4.1 The APY002 platform mounted on top of a NanoMax™ stage.

Table G4.2 Specifications
Item #		APY001(/M)	APY002(/M)
Travel Range	Pitch	±4°
Travel Range	Yaw	±4°
Resolution		10 arcsec
Taps		6-32 (M3)
Adjustment Knobs		Thumbscrew	Micrometer

Adds Two Additional Degrees of Freedom to a 3-Axis Flexure Stage System
±4° Total Tilt per Axis
Thumbscrew or Micrometer Drives Available
Pitch & Yaw Tilt Platforms

These platforms provide pitch and yaw adjustment about the optical axis. They were designed for use with our NanoMax™, MicroBlock™, and RollerBlock™ families of 3-axis stages and provide cost efficient upgrades to 5-axis positioning. Some specifications are offered in Table G4.2; for more information, see the Specs tab.

The APY001(/M) and APY002(/M) platforms comprise a pitch and yaw platform together with a mounting post and base. When the BA2 base is mounted to the optical table, the platform surface is lined up with the front of the stage. Mating components can then be attached to the platform and adjusted in pitch and yaw. The mounting post included produces an optical height of 75 mm (62.5 mm post plus 12.5 mm accessory height).

Alternatively, the pitch and yaw platform can be removed from the post, and fixed directly to the stage, in place of the standard top plate; an example of how to do so is shown in Video G4.1. This allows components mounted on the stage to be adjusted in pitch and yaw, and raises the optical axis height by 15 mm, from 75 mm to 90 mm. An angle bracket and spacer block kit is available separately, as shown at the bottom of the page, which raises mating components to the same height.

We offer two options to adjust the pitch and yaw platforms: thumbscrew drives or micrometer drives. The thumbscrew drives allow adjustment up to ±4° per axis with an accuracy of 10 arcsec. The micrometer drives offer precise control: 1° of pitch rotation relates to 0.86 mm micrometer movement (1 mm = 1.16°) while 1° of yaw rotation relates to 0.91 mm of micrometer movement (1 mm = 1.1°).

Compact 5-Axis Stage

Zoom

Table G5.2 Top Plate Mounting Holes
PY005-K1
PY005-K1/M

Click to Enlarge
Figure G5.3 The PY005-K1 stage connected to a MAX311D NanoMax stage for a fiber coupling application.

Table G5.1 Specifications
Travel Range	Pitch	±3.5°
	Yaw	±5°
	X, Y, Z	0.12" (3.0 mm)
Adjustment Knobs		Micrometer

±5° Yaw Adjustment, ±3.5° Pitch Adjustment
0.12" (3 mm) Linear Translation (X, Y, and Z)
62.5 mm (2.46") Deck Height Compatible with 3-Axis Flexure Stages
Hex Key or Thumbscrew Adjustment
See the Full Web Presentation for More Information

The PY005-K1(/M) includes a PY005(/M) stage, a PY005A2(/M) pedestal base, and a top plate that give the PY005 a 62.5 mm (2.46") deck height. The top plate features 8-32, 6-32, and 4-40 taps, as well as a 3.0 mm alignment groove for fiber accessories. For the location of these taps, please click on the info icons in Table G5.2. The stage provides five axes of adjustment in an ultra-compact package. It has five 100 TPI actuators which can adjust the pitch, yaw, and X, Y, and Z positions of the stage's top mounting platform. Two actuators together control yaw and Y-axis, two actuators together control pitch and Z-axis, and a single actuator controls the X translation. The actuators have a 5/64" (2 mm) hex for adjustments with a hex key or our HKTS-5/64 hex key thumbscrews. Some specifications are offered in Table G5.1; for more information, see the Specs tab.

Large Angle Bracket and Spacer Block Kit

Zoom

Click to Enlarge
Figure G6.2 APY001 pitch and yaw tilt platform mounted on a NanoMax™ stage with the ABS002 large angle bracket fitted to the side face.

Click to Enlarge
Figure G6.1 APR001 pitch and roll tilt platform mounted on a NanoMax™ stage with the ABS002 large angle bracket fitted to the side face.

Compatible with APR001(/M), APY001(/M), and APY002(/M) Platforms
Compatible with 3-Axis Flexure Stages
Raises Optical Axis Height from 75 mm to 90 mm

The ABS002(/M) large angle bracket and spacer block raises the optical axis height by 15 mm, from 75 mm to
90 mm. This allows mating components to be at the same height as our NanoMax™, MicroBlock™, and RollerBlock™ stages when a pitch and yaw or a pitch and roll platform is affixed, as seen in Figures G6.1 and G6.2. When a pitch and yaw or pitch and roll platform is affixed to a 3-axis flexure stage, the stage gains those two axes of adjustment, providing a cost efficient upgrade to 5-axis positioning.